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As someone familiar with the phrase "write what you know", I was blown away by Dan's ability to create such clearly defined and "true to life" voices for so many different character types: a woman grieving her father's passing the day before she is set to walk down the aisle, her mother-a new widow, a group of older gay men trying to find their groove amongst the younger crowd, a pair of "set in their way" 70 somethings working through conversation while on a blind date, and a recently divorced couple who unexpectedly run into each other while the wounds are still fresh.
The relationships Dan built were relatable and enjoyable. His dialogue was fresh & natural. The talented ensemble of actors embodied each character with full commitmen...
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An evening of short plays exploring the less glamorous side of love- and love lost- "Love Actually Isn't" is a poignant and comical look into the lives of these characters.
From grieving families, to bitter ex's, and from second chances to the single mans meat market- you will see these well written characters brought to life by a talented cast of actors. One of the most intriguing things for me was that I know prople that are like each of the characters the writer brings to the stage.
Dan Johnson writes realistic characters with heart and soul and makes for a truly enjoyable evening of theatre. I think this is a show that anybody at a crossroads in love should check out. ...
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This smart piece features some of my favorite dialogue and scene work at the Hollywood Fringe this far, especially in "Post-Fabulous" and "Leftovers." Dan Johnson's insights to the human experience through his characters in these pieces are crystal-clear, and I would love to see more of them in long-form productions.
I was very impressed with the production values - how often do you get to see a coffin at Fringe?! Direction was solid and transitions swift considering the amount of set in use.
Performances, especially "Leftovers," we're thoughtful, touching and genuinely funny. A must-see, for romantics and the broken-hearted alike. ...
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I enjoyed this show so much! Dan Johnson wrote honestly and hilariously, from four different points of view and the actors took it from there. The entire cast was committed and talented. My favorites were the funny and natural, Craig Taggart in Post-Fabulous, and Dani Thompson and Edmund Shaff in the adorable and touching "Leftovers". The transitions between shows could use a little streamlining but overall a great show. Kept us discussing all the way home. ...
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As an avid rom-com viewer and borderline snob, I was quite impressed by this show's incredible thoughtfulness, wit and heart. Love Actually Isn't actually IS a very well-produced and creatively written look at modern love. Dan examines relationships on stage from a multitude of angles - old and new, lost and broken, painful and hopeful, and each mini-play is refreshingly innovative and very well acted. No matter your age, history or relationship status… you will find something in this show that will move you....
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In interest of full disclosure, I arrived late and missed the first of these four stories. But based on the other three, this is the best writing I have seen at this year's Fringe. Dialogue, characterization, humor are all so natural, concise, and seemingly effortless (I'm sure they were anything but). The cast is strong from top to bottom, bringing wonderful life to the words. Funny, touching, and highly enjoyable....
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I loved the writing, the acting, the directing and the sound. I'll say that right up front. So much so that the night I went I was so enthusiastic to let the writer/producer Dan Johnson know of my joy, I completely interrupted his conversation with a group of his peeps, I yelled out " I LOVED IT!!!!" He probably thought I was nuts.
I thought everyones acting was superb, and I especially enjoyed Craig Taggart, great part and deliciously done. Ed Shaff and Dani Thompson were also pros at building the humor, the dance between them was fun to watch. Not to mention the edginess yet poignant first scene you see Dani Thompson in, Cold Feet. Good ensemble theatre. Only complaint, the transitions between scenes. It distracted and personally...
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This show was funny, heartfelt and relateable. It left me thinking about relationships, love, and the paradigms we give them in our society. There were some very strong acting. My complaints are about more technical things. The transitions between scenes took several minutes each. It was a long time to be sitting in the dark watching people move furniture. The sets were very realistic, but I think could have been more simplistic if it would have moved the show along quicker. The designation of space in Post-Fabulous and Double Date was unclear at times. I think better use of the depth of the space could have been made to create a more 3 dimensional picture so it would have been more clear where the characters were in relation to each other a...
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I was riveted by the awkwardly charming couple in "Leftovers". Still thinking about them now, days later.
I felt the last play hurried to unload a lot of info at the end to raise the stakes in an already wonderfully painful scenario that didn't need the added boost.
Great acting all around. Loved the different voices in the writing. They made for a well rounded exploration of what Love Actually Isn't....
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